We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -Aristotle

Students are what PFF is all about! We exist to provide a holistic approach to life skills and education for today’s youth. PFF Students participate from eight Richmond city high schools and three Henrico county high schools (Highland Springs H.S., Hermitage H.S., and Henrico H.S.)

During the summer:

PFF summer programming has been revised to bridge the first summer “gap” by providing personal development and community service opportunities to students the summer after their freshman (9^th grade) year. The new summer programming model includes:

·        1^st Summer (Rising Sophomores): Students attend a week long Institute on a College Campus. Throughout the Institute students receive personal & professional development workshops while simultaneously working toward earning Microsoft Certifications in the areas of PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. There are also fun camp moments including golf lessons! Students are required to earn up to twenty-four hours of community service their first summer to gain experience before they receive an internship placement.

·        2^nd Summer (Rising Juniors): Students intern at PFF business sponsor locations Monday-Thursday for seven consecutive weeks. Each Friday students attend workshops in the areas of Career Exploration and Study Skills.

·        3^rd Summer (Rising Seniors): Students continue their seven week internship experience Monday-Thursday. Each Friday students visit seven different partner Colleges/Universities and receive an admissions presentation, tour, college student panel, and lunch on campus. Students also participate in essay writing workshops their third summer to begin preparing their college application personal statements.

·        4^th Summer (Rising College Freshman): PFF students complete a community service project their final summer. The “Different World” series is also offered to prepare rising college freshman with the realities college life before they leave for on-campus Freshman Orientation.

During the school year:

During year-round programming, students engage in career exploration, cultural events, leadership opportunities, critical thinking, and personal development activities. Students also have access to special events where they can meet influential leaders locally and nationally.

Here are some planned activities and the areas of development they fall under:

• Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program: Leadership and Public Speaking
• Chick-fil-A Dodgeball Tournament: Teambuilding and Teamwork
• Hospital Hospitality House “Bingo Night!”: Community Service and Leadership
• Cultural Capital Sessions: Exposure to Leaders in Various Fields
• Annual Career Roundtable: Career Exploration
• Northern Virginia/DC College Tour: College Exploration

Private SAT prep classes, financial aid workshops, and college fairs are also offered during the year for students and if applicable, their parents.

Don't forget the fun parts too! PFF hosts events to socialize and allow students from different schools to get to know each other better. Students and staff have played Laser Tag as well as visited the International Spy Museum and ESPN Zone during the Northern Virginia/DC trip.